The 22 Creedmoor is a high-performance cartridge that has captured the attention of hunters, precision shooters, and reloaders since its inception as a wildcat cartridge in 2013. Derived from the 6.5 Creedmoor case necked down to accommodate .224-inch bullets, it has evolved into a SAAMI-approved round in 2024, gaining widespread industry support. Known for its blistering muzzle velocities, flat trajectory, and exceptional accuracy, the 22 Creedmoor excels in varmint hunting, long-range target shooting, and even medium-game hunting. This article explores the cartridge’s ballistics, bullet weights, twist rates, hunting applications, accuracy, and how enthusiasts can acquire a custom-built 22 Creedmoor rifle from Kansas Arms Supply.

Origins and Evolution

The 22 Creedmoor was pioneered by Horizon Firearms in Texas aiming to create a cartridge that outperformed the .22-250 Remington at extended ranges, particularly for coyote hunting. Initially a wildcat cartridge, it gained traction among handloaders before Hornady, in partnership with Horizon Firearms, brought factory-loaded ammunition to market. The cartridge’s SAAMI standardization in 2024 marked a significant milestone, ensuring broader availability of brass, dies, and loaded ammunition from manufacturers like Hornady, Peterson Cartridge, and others.

The 22 Creedmoor is part of the Creedmoor family, which includes the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, and 25 Creedmoor. Its design leverages the 6.5 Creedmoor’s case capacity (approximately 3.40 ml) and short-action compatibility, allowing it to push lightweight, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets at remarkable speeds while maintaining low recoil.

Ballistic Performance: Average FPS and Bullet Grain Weight

The 22 Creedmoor is renowned for its high muzzle velocities, which contribute to its flat trajectory and long-range performance. The cartridge’s performance varies depending on bullet weight, powder charge, and barrel length, but here are some representative figures from factory and handloaded ammunition:

• 60-grain Bullets: Factory loads like the Hornady V-Max 60-grain achieve muzzle velocities around 3,600 fps. Handloads, such as those using Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets, can reach up to 3,880–4,040 fps with powders like H4350. These lightweight bullets are ideal for varmint hunting due to their explosive terminal performance.
• 70–77-grain Bullets: Bullets in this range, such as the Berger 70-grain VLD or Hammer 70-grain Hunter, typically achieve muzzle velocities between 3,320 and 3,590 fps. For example, Hendershot’s Sporting Goods reports 3,320 fps with a 70-grain Hammer Hunter from an 18-inch barrel. These bullets balance speed and stability for varmint and small-game hunting.
• 80–90-grain Bullets: Heavier bullets, like the Hornady 80-grain ELD-M or Berger 85.5-grain LRHT, achieve velocities from 3,200 to 3,450 fps. A notable handload with an 80-grain Berger VLD achieves 3,450 fps, while a 90-grain A-TIP maintains 3,200 fps. These bullets are favored for long-range precision and medium-game hunting due to their high BC and energy retention.

Muzzle energy typically ranges from 1,727 to 2,059 ft-lbs, depending on bullet weight. For instance, a 60-grain V-Max produces around 1,727 ft-lbs, while a 70-grain Berger VLD generates 1,893 ft-lbs. At 1,000 yards, the 22 Creedmoor retains sufficient energy (approximately 800–1,000 ft-lbs) for ethical deer hunting, surpassing competitors like the .220 Swift, which retains only about a quarter of that energy at the same distance.

The cartridge’s high velocity and energy make it a standout for long-range shooting. For example, at 600 yards, it is approximately 600 fps faster than the .22-250 Remington, and at 1,000 yards, it exhibits 144 inches less bullet drop and 24.8 inches less wind drift in a 10 mph crosswind compared to the .220 Swift.

Twist Rate: Stabilizing High-BC Bullets

The 22 Creedmoor’s ability to stabilize heavy-for-caliber, high-BC bullets is a key advantage over older .22-caliber cartridges like the .22-250 Remington and .220 Swift, which typically use slower twist rates (1:12 or 1:14). The 22 Creedmoor is optimized for twist rates of 1:7 to 1:8, which ensure stability for bullets ranging from 55 to 90 grains, and in some cases, up to 95 grains.

• 1:7 Twist: Ideal for heavier bullets (75–90 grains), such as the Hornady 80-grain ELD-X, Berger 85.5-grain LRHT, or Sierra 90-grain MatchKing. This twist rate ensures stability at long ranges and is recommended for bullets like the Hammer 73-grain HHT or Barnes 77-grain LRX.
• 1:8 Twist: Suitable for a wide range of bullet weights (60–80 grains), including the Hornady 75-grain ELD and Berger 80-grain VLD. This twist rate is standard for many factory rifles and provides excellent versatility for both varmint and long-range applications.

The faster twist rates allow the 22 Creedmoor to handle high-BC bullets, reducing wind drift and improving accuracy at extended ranges. For example, a 1:7 twist can stabilize the 88-grain Hornady ELD-M in certain conditions, though a 1:7.5 twist may be required for consistent performance with such long projectiles.

Hunting Applications

The 22 Creedmoor is a versatile cartridge, excelling in varmint hunting, long-range target shooting, and medium-game hunting. Its high velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal wind drift make it a favorite for:

• Varmint Hunting: The 22 Creedmoor is devastating on coyotes, prairie dogs, and other small game. Lightweight bullets (55–60 grains) at velocities exceeding 3,600 fps deliver explosive terminal performance, making it ideal for open-country predator control. For example, a 60-grain Nosler Varmageddon at 4,040 fps has been reported to produce sub-0.5 MOA groups at 100 yards.
• Medium-Game Hunting: With heavier bullets (75–90 grains), the 22 Creedmoor is capable of ethically harvesting deer, antelope, and even black bear or cow elk with precise shot placement. Its energy retention at 1,000 yards (approximately 800–1,000 ft-lbs) is sufficient for deer-sized game, though shot placement is critical due to the smaller .224-inch bullet diameter. Hunters report successful kills on zebra and impala with 75-grain Hornady ELD-M at 3,650 fps, demonstrating its lethality.
• Long-Range Precision: The cartridge’s accuracy and high-BC bullets make it a top choice for long-range target shooting. It can maintain sub-MOA accuracy out to 1,200 yards, with handloads achieving 0.44-inch groups at 100 yards using 80-grain Berger VLDs.

Compared to the .22-250 Remington and .220 Swift, the 22 Creedmoor offers superior energy retention, less wind drift, and better performance with heavier bullets, making it a more versatile option for hunters and shooters.

Accuracy: A Precision Shooter’s Dream

The 22 Creedmoor is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, often achieving sub-MOA (0.5–1 MOA) groups with both factory and handloaded ammunition. Key factors contributing to its accuracy include:

• High-BC Bullets: Bullets like the Hornady 80-grain ELD-M (G1 BC: .485) and Berger 85.5-grain LRHT (G1 BC: .534) minimize wind drift and maintain stability, resulting in tight groups at long ranges. For example, a handload with a 75-grain ELD at 3,537 fps achieved a standard deviation (SD) of 6.6 fps and MOA accuracy.
• Consistent Brass: Manufacturers like Alpha Munitions, Peterson Cartridge, and Lapua produce high-quality 22 Creedmoor brass, ensuring consistent performance for reloaders. Small rifle primer (SRP) and large rifle primer (LRP) options are available, with LRP brass preferred for cold-weather reliability.
• Optimized Powders: Powders like H4350, H1000, RL26, and Varget are commonly used for their accuracy and velocity consistency. For instance, a load with 41.0 grains of H4350 behind a 75-grain ELD achieved 3,537 fps with a 6.6 SD.

Factory ammunition from Hornady (80-grain ELD-M and ELD-X) and custom loads from Hendershot’s Sporting Goods consistently produce 0.5–1 MOA groups, with some rifles achieving 0.44-inch groups at 100 yards. The cartridge’s low recoil also enhances shooter comfort, allowing for sustained accuracy during extended shooting sessions.

Barrel Life Considerations

The 22 Creedmoor’s high velocities come at the cost of increased barrel wear compared to lower-pressure cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, it operates at lower pressures than the .220 Swift, resulting in a longer barrel life. A quality stainless steel barrel can last approximately 1,500–2,000 rounds with proper maintenance, though handloads pushing velocities above 3,800 fps (e.g., 55-grain Nosler Varmageddon at 4,040 fps) may accelerate wear.

---

Precision Rifle Reloading Class at Scheels Wichita (September 6th, 2025)

---

Comparisons to Other .22-Caliber Cartridges

The 22 Creedmoor outperforms traditional .22-caliber cartridges like the .22-250 Remington and .220 Swift in several ways:

• Velocity and Energy: At 600 yards, the 22 Creedmoor is 600 fps faster than the .22-250 and retains nearly four times the energy of the .220 Swift at 1,000 yards.
• Wind Drift: The 22 Creedmoor experiences 24.8 inches less wind drift than the .22-250 at 600 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, thanks to its ability to use high-BC bullets.
• Bullet Stability: The faster twist rates (1:7 or 1:8) allow the 22 Creedmoor to stabilize heavier bullets (75–90 grains), improving long-range performance compared to the slower-twist .22-250 (1:12) or .220 Swift (1:14).
• Recoil: The 22 Creedmoor’s recoil is negligible, similar to the .22-250, making it ideal for precision shooting and extended sessions.

However, the .22-250 and .220 Swift may offer slightly flatter trajectories with lightweight bullets (e.g., 40-grain .220 Swift at 1,530 ft-lbs), but they lack the 22 Creedmoor’s versatility with heavier bullets.

Reloading Considerations

The 22 Creedmoor is a favorite among handloaders due to its versatility and availability of components. Key considerations include:

• Brass: Alpha Munitions, Peterson Cartridge, and Hornady offer high-quality 22 Creedmoor brass.
• Powders: H4350, H1000, RL26, and Varget are popular choices. H4350 is widely used for mid-weight bullets (60–75 grains), while H1000 and RL26 are better for heavier bullets (80–90 grains) to avoid pressure spikes.
• Primers: CCI 450 (small rifle magnum) and CCI BR2 (large rifle) primers are commonly used, with magnum primers preferred for consistent ignition.
• Bullets: Sierra MatchKing (77–95 grains), Hornady ELD-M/X (80 grains), Berger VLD (70–85.5 grains), and Hammer Hunter (68–74 grains) are popular choices for their accuracy and terminal performance.

Reloaders should start with conservative loads and work up, as high velocities can lead to pressure issues. For example, a load with 42.2 grains of H1000 behind an 85.5-grain Berger bullet achieved 3,299 fps with no pressure signs, but loads should be tailored to individual rifles.

Conclusion

The 22 Creedmoor is a versatile, high-performance cartridge that combines blistering muzzle velocities, flat trajectories, and exceptional accuracy, making it a top choice for varmint hunting, long-range shooting, and medium-game hunting. Its ability to stabilize high-BC bullets with 1:7 or 1:8 twist rates ensures superior long-range performance compared to traditional .22-caliber cartridges. With muzzle velocities ranging from 3,200 to 4,040 fps and bullet weights from 55 to 90 grains, it offers flexibility for various applications. Custom rifles from Kansas Arms Supply can be tailored to maximize the cartridge’s potential, providing shooters with a precision tool for their specific needs. Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or reloader, the 22 Creedmoor delivers unmatched performance in the .22-caliber class.

Disclaimer

The information provided about the 22 Creedmoor is for informational purposes only and is not intended as reloading advice. Firearms, reloading, and long-range shooting involve inherent risks and require proper training. Always seek professional instruction and adhere to safety guidelines before engaging in these activities.